Volume
24 , Issue
4
July/August 2004
Pages 386–396

Dimensions of the Dentogingival Unit in Maxillary Anterior Teeth: A New Exploration Technique (Parallel Profile Radiograph)

Francisco Alpiste-Illueca

PMID: 15446409 DOI: 10.11607/prd.00.0587

This study sought to develop and evaluate a radiographic exploration technique
(parallel profile radiograph [PPRx]) for measuring the dentogingival unit on the buccal
surfaces of anterior teeth, and to provide additional information on the dimensions
of the dentogingival unit in humans. In 88 periodontally healthy individuals, a
PPRx was made of the maxillary left central incisor. Over these images, the components
of the dentogingival unit were measured. PPRx was a highly reproducible
exploratory technique. Mean dentogingival measurements on the buccal surfaces
of the teeth were 2.05 ± 0.87 mm for distance between the CEJ and bone crest;
2.00 ± 0.72 mm for biologic width; 1.75 ± 0.24 mm for thickness of connective tissue
attachment; 1.12 ± 0.24 mm for thickness of free gingiva at its base; 0.45 ±
0.20 mm for thickness of bone plate at crest level; and 1.41 ± 0.62 mm for gingival
overlap on enamel surface. A statistically significant relationship was observed
between free gingival width and thickness of connective attachment, and the depth
of the gingival sulcus. These results corroborate the notion that the dimensions of
the dentogingival unit are highly variable in humans. The thicknesses of both the
connective tissue attachment and free gingiva, however, showed less variability
than did the thickness of the bone crest, distance between CEJ and bone crest, and
biologic width. The results suggest that gingival dimensions are correlated to dentogingival
unit dimensions. (Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2004;24:386–396.)

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF files. This is a free program
available from the Adobe web site. Follow the download directions on the
Adobe web site to get your copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader.